John b



(No Model.)

J. B. BELCHER.

l SHOE.

No. 302,089. i Patented. July 15, 1884.

/ Maf/1,0331 f N. Pinks. mwwwsnphr, wnhlugm, n. c.

:UNITED STATES AlPl-xrnlw Omen.

JOHN BELGHERQOFCHARLOTTE, MICHIGAN.

A SHOE.` Y

EBPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 302,089, dated J-'uly 15, 1884.

l. Application filed January 10, 18H4. (N o model.)

To @ZZ whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, JOHN- B. ,BELoHEia a 'citizen of the United States of America, residing at Charlotte, in the county of Eatonand State, of Michigan, have 'invented certain new and useful Improvements in Shoes, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying draw` ings.`

This invention pertains to improvements in shoes, more especially felt' or snow overshoes,

the part to which the improvement is applicable being the upper, between the vamp and quarter, to allow the folding back upon itself of the heel portion or quarter, for the ready entrance of the undershoe, and whereby the openings heretofore providedone in each side of the upper-and chaflng of the anklejoint are avoided.

- preferably made of fabric, which is treated to a coating of rubber in a liquid state. Over the rubber and fabric lining A is placed the vamp B, and around the rear or heel `portion thereof is placed the quarter O, the lower outer marginal portion of which is covered with a strip of rubber, D, after which the bottom or sole is applied, said vamp and quarter being made of felt, or a composite material of 'rubber andlfabric. Y

E is a gusset, of which there are two, one arranged in each side of vthe upper, between the vamp and the quarter, to replace the openings heretofore left thereat, to enable the shoe to be readily put on or afford easy access for the undershoe. This gusset may be made by removing, opposite the ankle-joint, a portion.

of the vamp, and securing to theside and lower edges of the opening thus formed, or along said edges, a piece of felt or composite substance of rubber and fabric, said gusset-piece beingof sufficient width to allow the heel portion or quarter to be turned down or folded back upon itself, for its intended purpose, as above pointed out, while, Vwhen the quarter is in its normal position, said gusset-piece folds or lapsA upon itself toward, but does not fill, the middle space, thus avoiding the leaving of openings atthis point, and whereby what would otherwise be openings is closedup Water-tight completely. to the top of the upper, obviating the entrancel of snow and water. The quarter, as is usual, is provided with forward-extensions of lapels, with one of which is integrally made, or to it is connected, the fastening-strap, and to the other one is secured a fastening or buckle. The folds of the gussets rest upon opposite sides of the anklejoint, vand not against or behind it either of which latter positions causes the `gusset-fold to chafe or hurt the ankle, while in the former position they serve as braces to the ankle-j oint, and prevent chaiing thereof.

In lieu of making the gussets as aforesaid,

they may bemade by formingthe vamp with continuously rearwardly-projecting exten'- sions of sufficient length to serve the purpose of the gussets, and adapted to fold or lap upon itself as the latter. This latter method of making them would avoid the slitting of the vamp and quarter, and removing portions of the vamp and replacing the same withseparate pieces, I

I am aware that in a gaiter-shoe folding or 4 plaited pieces have been inserted in the top or ankle portion, with their folds or plaits folding in one direction, which it is obvious would crowd the ankle-joint and tend to impair its movement, while it will be observed that in my invention the folds or plaits fold toward, but do not occupy, the center or middle portion of the space'inside of the outer or main portion of the gusset, thus leaving the ankle-j oint untrammeled, or with sufficient space for freedom of movement.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim, and Patent, is

desire to secure by Letters In a feit or rubber and fabric overshoe, the portions of said gusset, substantially as shown combination, with the vamp and quarter, of and described, and for the purpose set forth. Io `the gusset arranged in each side of the upper In testimony whereof I afix my signature in between the vamp and quarter, and in line presence of two witnesses.

fitnessesz i HENRY B. TEN Ewan', L. O. SMITH.

sustain the ankle, and to prevent Chaing, folding` toward, but not occupying, the central 5 with the ankle-joint, with itsfolds or plaits to JOHN B. BELCHER.

space intermediate between the outer lateral 

